Small Craftsman Toolbox 12v 50A Portable Solar Power Station

[Buckyver]

I needed something to power my small water pumps I use when gold prospecting so I built this lightweight power station. It also has 2x Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charger Sockets and 2x 12v cigarette lighter sockets. I use 2x Terminal Binding Posts Power Amplifier Dual Copper 2-Way Banana Plug Jacks to provide power to the low voltage pumps when they’re connected using banana plugs. Electop SAE Power Socket (used to connect to the solar pane) Sidewall Port located on the back side of the lid. A small solar charge controller located in the lid compartment to keep the battery charged when out in the field. A Kohree 6 Way 12V Blade Fuse Block 12 Volt Waterproof Fuse Box Holder fit perfect in the lid. A DC Multimeter Battery Monitor 0-100A Ammeter Voltmeter with LCD Display Digital Current Voltage located on the side of the toolbox (no picture) just below the carrying handle. Greenlight 12v 50A lithium ion battery. I used plywood with vents to keep the battery from moving in the box. My next box I’ll buy individual lithium cells and build my own battery. Didn’t have time for this project so I got the Greenlight from Walmart. The nice thing about this plastic box is you can melt holes to run the wires. I use the empty compartment next to the battery for the AC charger that came with the battery so I’ll always have a way to keep the battery charged.

 

[DThames]

That looks like a nice build.

 

[svetz]

Sweet!

 

[Javilander]

Great!!

 

[N1ghtS7alker]

Very nice build. Would love to see your wiring schematic and parts list. I am working on an ammo can build and could use the tips.

 

[45North]

Very nice!
I made a similar but rougher box last winter.
See my sign block for details.

 

[johnreyn]

Nice small power box. The batteries from Walmart was an unusually good choice, What are they typically for? I would also like to see a wiring diagram and parts list if you have one. How much did it cost to build? Thanks

 

[Displaced Texan]

Great build! I’m working on something similar. I’m curious — why did you run all the little 5amp accessories to a fuse box instead of just jumping them together from an inline 20 amp fuse? I’m still trying to figure out the pros/cons of a fuse box for such a low-powered application.